These days, when I talk about skiing with my friends, I've noticed that more and more of my southern friends have fallen in love with this sport. As someone born and raised in the South, I never expected ice and snow tourism to create such a big wave in southern China. Today, I'd like to share with you this interesting phenomenon I've observed.

Unexpected Rise

You might find it strange that southerners would be so interested in skiing. But the data tells us that by the end of 2024, half of the top 10 most popular ice and snow tourism destinations in China were in the South. Even more surprisingly, nine out of the top ten cities with the highest ski hotel bookings were from southern regions.

This phenomenon isn't hard to understand. With improving living standards, young people in the South are increasingly seeking novel experiences. Skiing not only provides an exciting experience but also gives people a strong social media presence. I remember being amazed when I first saw my classmate's skiing photos on WeChat Moments—that girl who usually avoided exercise was looking cool in ski gear, cutting a graceful figure on the slopes!

Southern ski resorts now rival their northern counterparts. For example, the Yulong Snow Mountain Ski Resort in Yunnan, at 4,506 meters above sea level, is Asia's highest ski resort. Skiing here offers not only an ultimate skiing experience but also spectacular snow-capped mountain views. Plus, Yulong Snow Mountain has excellent snow quality, ensuring good skiing conditions even during the Spring Festival.

Warm Winter Advantage

Why does ice and snow tourism in the South attract so many people? I think the biggest advantage lies in the climate. For instance, at the Wanggangping Scenic Area in Sichuan, thanks to its mild and dry climate, visitors can ski in light clothing—some even dance on the snow in traditional Hanfu. Compared to the bitter cold of minus 20-30 degrees in the North, doesn't this experience sound more appealing?

I tried skiing at Wanggangping last winter, where the temperature was around 5 degrees above zero, and a thin down jacket was completely sufficient. What impressed me most was how comfortable it felt sunbathing in the rest area! The warm sunshine on your body, snow-capped peaks in the distance, and cheerful visitors nearby created an interesting contrast.

Moreover, most southern ski resorts are in prime locations with convenient transportation. Take Xiling Snow Mountain in Chengdu, for example—it's just a two-hour drive from downtown. You can have hotpot in Chunxi Road in the morning and be racing down the slopes by noon. This convenience is especially important for busy young professionals who can plan a spontaneous skiing trip over a two-day weekend.

Market Response

DiDi's data shows that in early December 2024, orders to southern ski resorts in Hangzhou, Kunming, Chengdu, and other cities increased by over 40% year-on-year. I remember my first time skiing near Chengdu last winter, meeting many "southern snow friends" like myself on the way, all surprised to find such good skiing conditions right at our doorstep.

This data reflects southerners' growing enthusiasm for ice and snow sports. Many young people in the South now see skiing as a fashionable lifestyle. I have a friend who goes skiing every weekend and has transformed from a complete novice into an expert who can smoothly navigate advanced slopes.

It's not just young people—many families now choose skiing as their preferred parent-child activity. During my last skiing trip, I saw many parents teaching their children on beginner slopes. Those kids in colorful ski suits and cute helmets would get up and continue practicing even after falling, without crying or fussing—it was really touching.

Ski resorts are also becoming more user-friendly. For instance, many resorts offer professional coaching services, with systematic training plans from basic movements to advanced techniques. The prices are affordable too, with lessons costing around 200-300 yuan, which is very cost-effective for beginners wanting to quickly master the basics.

Product Innovation

Ice and snow tourism in the South isn't just about skiing. Taking Sichuan as an example, the province now has nearly 50 ice and snow tourism spots and more than 10 mountains with year-round snow. Many scenic areas combine ice and snow activities with hot springs and boutique hotels to create unique tourism experiences.

Take a resort I visited recently—they perfectly combined traditional hot springs with skiing. You can ski in the morning, soak in hot springs in the afternoon, stay in a distinctive homestay at night, and watch the sunrise the next morning—a perfect weekend getaway plan. The homestay design is thoughtful too, incorporating local cultural elements, making you feel like you're in an artistic snow house.

Some resorts have developed night skiing programs. Imagine gliding down the slopes under the lights, with snow crystals sparkling, surrounded by a starry sky—it's incredibly romantic! I remember joining a night skiing session that coincided with the resort's music festival, skiing while listening to live band performances—an unforgettable experience.

Innovative activities also include motorized options like snow motorcycles and snow karting, which are especially popular among young people. Some resorts have even developed niche activities like snow yoga and snow painting, allowing visitors who aren't interested in extreme sports to find their own enjoyment.

Policy Support

The Ministry of Culture and Tourism has specifically planned 12 premium ice and snow tourism routes, including southern provinces like Chongqing, Sichuan, and Hubei. These routes include not just skiing but also night tours, performances, and other rich cultural tourism activities. As a frequent travel blogger, I think these routes are very thoughtfully designed, catering to both beginners and experienced enthusiasts.

These policy supports have brought tremendous development opportunities to southern ice and snow tourism. Many local governments are actively introducing advanced snow-making equipment to upgrade resort facilities. For instance, one resort I visited introduced the latest snow-making system that can maintain snow quality even at relatively high temperatures.

Meanwhile, the government is actively cultivating professional talent. I know several ski instructors who have attended specialized training courses, mastering not only professional skiing skills but also first aid knowledge and safety management. Such talent development programs lay a solid foundation for the sustainable development of southern ice and snow tourism.

Future Outlook

According to predictions, during the 2024-2025 winter season, national ice and snow tourism is expected to receive 520 million visits and generate tourism revenue exceeding 86.13 billion yuan. As someone who has personally witnessed the development of southern ice and snow tourism, I don't think these numbers are exaggerated.

Many southern cities now have indoor ski resorts, allowing us to enjoy skiing anytime. These indoor facilities are scientifically designed to maintain constant temperatures and adjust snow quality according to different time periods. An indoor ski resort I frequently visit even offers themed activities, such as couples' skiing lessons on Chinese Valentine's Day and costume skiing competitions on Christmas, with very innovative approaches.

Southern ice and snow tourism continues to innovate, such as combining snow activities with local cultural characteristics to create many fresh and interesting experiences. In Yunnan, some resorts showcase ethnic minority song and dance performances alongside skiing; in Guizhou, some resorts incorporate Miao silver jewelry elements into ski equipment design; in Sichuan, some resorts have developed "panda-themed" skiing programs, allowing visitors to experience Sichuan culture while skiing.

With technological development, southern ski resorts are continuously introducing new technologies. For example, many ski resorts now have dedicated apps where visitors can check real-time snow conditions, book instructors, and even preview ski routes through AR technology. Some resorts have introduced intelligent collision prevention systems using sensors to prevent accidents, greatly improving skiing safety.

In terms of service, southern ski resorts continue to improve. Many now offer one-stop services, handling everything from equipment rental to accommodation, dining, and shuttle services. Some resorts have introduced membership services, regularly organizing ski training camps and social events to help skiing enthusiasts improve their skills and meet like-minded friends.

I believe that with continuous infrastructure improvement and service level enhancement, southern ice and snow tourism will only get better. Especially for young people like us living in the South, ice and snow sports are no longer an unreachable dream but an accessible form of daily entertainment.

Finally, I want to say that southern ice and snow tourism isn't just an emerging tourism project but a new lifestyle. It allows us southerners to enjoy ice and snow sports and experience a different winter life. If you haven't tried southern ski resorts yet, why not gather some friends this winter and experience this fashionable and interesting sport?

By the way, have you been to any southern ski resorts? What do you think about these "warm version" ice and snow activities? Let's chat again next time.